Environmental Considerations for Rural Transportation Programs

When designing a rural transportation program, it is important to consider the environmental impact of the transportation system on the local community and region. Natural resources are abundant in many rural parts of the country, and many national monuments, nature preserves, forests, and national parks are in rural areas across the U.S. Rural communities can use a health impact assessment to consider environmental factors — as well as social and economic factors — when planning a transportation program.

Many public transportation programs have shown to have a positive environmental impact. For example, public transportation may decrease the number of cars on the road, which limits emissions and reduces pollution. Increasing the walkability of rural areas and providing alternative modes of transportation, such as bike share programs, can reduce the impact of transportation on the environment.

The Rural Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Toolkit describes transportation models related to SDOH, specifically for improving communities and the build environment, in rural communities.

Resources to Learn More

Smart Growth in Small Towns and Rural Communities
Website
Provides a listing of resources supporting smart growth approaches, which seek to support sustainable growth and development in rural areas.
Organization(s): U.S. Environmental Protection Agency